FDNY specs

[mattqcbuff]

Just a simple question about fdny engine specs.<br />On all the pumper type trucks bought by the fdny, they still have 2 or 3 lenghts of large diametre hard suction on the left side (thus low side compartments). Apart from compagnies that operate along the waterways i don't see the compagnies drafting water in downtown manhattan or in brooklyn !

Why is that ? And why do they only use 1000 gpm pumps on the engines and not 1500 gpm like many other places ?

merry christmas

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[M G]

From what I remember, the bulk foam units mix foam in drop (folding) tanks and the engine companies draft out of those tanks. Anyone want to confirm or deny my recollection?

[Chris309]

The hard suction on FDNY engines is commonly used for hydrant connections. They also carry soft suction hose for hydrant connections, but since the hydrants are spaced so close together in the city, most engines simply nose up to the closest hydrant and use the hard suction and front intake.

As far as the pump capacity and booster tank size, 1000 gpm and 500 gallons (there are exceptions but this is the most common), that's PLENTY of water. Especially considering the above mentioned abundancy of hydrants.

Hope this helps.

[bfcf623]

Mattqc, I read article in September 2001 issue of Fire Apparatus, that talked about FDNY having only 1000 gpm pumps and the story said "engine company officers prefer that no more than two lines be stretched from the same engine, and that engines supplying master stream devices are separate from pumpers supplying handlines. This way if a single unit fails all water is not lost." FDNY plans for 250 gpm from each line so they would not need larger capacity pumps. I don't have a clue about the hard suction. Maybe someone from FDNY will confirm or deny this.

[mattqcbuff]

Thanks for the help.

The hard suction seems to make sens, instead of carying multiple small lenghts of supply hose, they use hard suction.

Happy holidays to all

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[ 12-29-2001: Message edited by: mattqc ]</p>